Kungfu,
On the topic of DEC and older DEC captains with relevant experience , I will agree that EK should welcome such candidates into the left seat. I believe such a number would be small but I would welcome them as our gene pool would be too shallow otherwise.
The problem at EK is that the company has recruited DECs who have had no previous wide body experience and no international time.
Many have come fro my (not) favorite airline Ryanair.
This has occurred withing the last two years.
This is shocking and it is the part I object to.